Singapore leaders told not to issue irritating statements against Malaysia

Singapore leaders told not to issue irritating statements against Malaysia

Agencies, Kuala Lumpur

Singapore was told on Friday to stop making statements that could "irritate" Malaysia.

Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz said that "certain people" in Singapore had lately made remarks that appeared to intentionally "bring irritation to our bilateral relations."

"Singapore, if it regards Malaysia as a good neighbor in ASEAN, then don't do or say anything that will irritate Malaysia," Rafidah told a press conference.

"Malaysia doesn't like to have any frictions with anyone, especially with a neighbor that's so close to us."

Rafidah was commenting on a report in Friday's Malay-language newspaper Utusan Malaysia that a youth leader of Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) had described Malaysian journalists as "wild animals."

She was also asked about Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's recent remarks that he failed to understand why the Malaysian media was harping on a Singapore land reclamation project as it was within its own boundary.

Rafidah said Malaysia had a right to make its observation as the project could affect its maritime boundary and obstruct its sea lane.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday that Malaysia wants assurances from Singapore that a controversial land reclamation project will not affect the deepest point of the Straits of Johor that separate the countries.

A change in the depth of the waterway could affect shipping, and "Singapore needs to take all these factor into account," Mahathir was quoted as saying by the Malaysian news agency, Bernama.

Malaysia has expressed concern over Singapore's land reclamation program in the Tebrau Strait separating the two countries.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said on Friday he hoped the disagreement over Singapore's project could be handled amicably.

"I believe this matter can be handled properly. I hope we can discuss in the spirit of neighborliness and find a solution for our common benefit," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Syed Hamid said there was "no need to add" to issues which have created friction between the two neighbors since Singapore became independent from the Malaysian Federation in 1965.

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Malaysia from March 11-14 would boost ties between the two countries, he added.